As Storm Goretti brings cold temperatures and snow to the UK, Europe is also facing a bitter cold spell with Storm Elli causing more severe conditions. In Germany, where temperatures are expected to drop to -30 degrees, officials in Hamburg have imposed a ban on burials due to frozen ground making grave digging nearly impossible, resulting in delays of at least two weeks.
The extreme weather has not only disrupted funeral arrangements but has also wreaked havoc on transportation networks across the country. The national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, has warned that long-distance train travel is not feasible under the dangerous conditions.
Furthermore, the Christian Democrat Union (CDU) political party in Germany had to cancel its first major gathering of the year due to severe weather warnings and associated risks, along with anticipated train and flight cancellations.
Germany’s national meteorological service, the DWD, issued a statement cautioning about fresh snowfall expected to cover regions like Bavaria. The forecast includes new snow accumulations ranging from three to 10 centimetres in various parts of the country, with up to 15 centimetres expected within a short period in specific areas.
While Germany and France are being hit by strong winds and snow from Storm Elli, the UK is experiencing the impacts of Storm Goretti. The Met Office has warned of possible wintry weather following a brief respite on Saturday.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steve Willington has advised that snowfall is expected in parts of Scotland and northern England on Sunday, with the potential for 2-5cm of snow accumulation in low-lying areas and up to 10-20cm over higher ground. This additional snowfall may lead to further disruptions, especially in regions already affected by severe snowfall. Central and southern England and Wales are likely to experience the snowfall as rain, making for a wet Sunday in those areas.